Pet and Horse Health Blog

Probiotics and foals

Newborn foals are born with a sterile gastrointestinal tract but rapidly acquire intestinal flora from the surrounding environment and the mare. This intestinal microflora can be either beneficial or detrimental to the newborn foal, depending on the type of microflora that it picks up. It is desirable that probiotic beneficial microflora that can fight harmful bacteria, manufacture B group vitamins, and increase digestibility of food be picked up by foals. Neonates are thought to be able to benefit from probiotics because these horses are generally felt to have sub-optimal digestion. When probiotics are supplemented, this can result in the production of short chain fatty acids in the colon, which are the preferred energy source of the colonic epithelium and stimulate sodium and water absorption from the colon. All of this can help prevent diarrhea. Foals currently on antibiotics or that have chronic illnesses are also candidates for probiotics. There is a non-specific immune stimulation that is found with the use of some probiotics. It may be this immune stimulation that actually accounts for the action of probiotics and much research is currently under way attempting to uncover the link between probiotics and the immune system.

Generally, probiotics should initially be given to foals at 24 hours after birth, unless stated differently by the manufacturer. Probiotics given to foals have shown to gain weight, especially during the 2-4 week period of life. This beneficial effect of probiotics is thought to result in part from improved intestinal function, because a reduced incidence of diarrhea. Researchers believe that diarrhea at 2 to 4 weeks of age may follow an instability in the intestinal microflora that continues from foal heat diarrhea. While there are a number of excellent probiotics available to foals, Equine One Oral Gel  and  DFM-Eq Paste are particularly good sources due to the particular bacteria strains found in the formulas and the ease of use found in their paste format that is especially good for still nursing foals. Regardless of the format, supplementing probiotics helps the foal's gut to colonize with beneficial bacteria and this give the newborn foal a better chance to digest food and fight infection for the right start to life.

Dr. Dan DuBourdieu
ProbioticSmart.com

Omega-3 and 6 Fatty acids for skin and hair health in dogs

Over the past twenty years, the use of omega fatty acids has increased in supplements. There are two basic reasons for this increase. One basic reason is that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential to good health for both young and older dogs. The other basic reason is that omega-3 and 6 cannot be manufactured by the body, and must be obtained through food or supplements. The structural difference between an omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid is the placement of the first double bond in the fatty acid chain from the omega end of the chain (see diagram: ω is the Greek symbol for omega ). The omega fatty acids are beneficial to young animals for circulatory development, respiratory system development, brain development along with skin and hair. Middle age and senior dogs also get these benefits. There is strong scientific evidence that omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood triglyceride levels and regular intake reduces the risk of secondary and primary heart attack. Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in cell membranes, act as a precursor to hormones, and bind to cell receptors responsible for genetic function. Omega-6 contributes to good brain development and even reproductive health.

But there is also evidence that the omega fatty acids are also good for skin and hair health in dogs. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to be excellent for the promotion of faster and healthier hair growth as it nourishes hair from the inside, feeding the hair follicles to stimulate growth and shine. Research has suggested that the in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the omega-3 acids may contribute to some of these benefits. In addition, certain fatty acids are also thought to lead to an improvement in blood flow. These activities may contribute to be better skin and hair health through better follicle health. There are a number of supplements on the market containing omega fatty acids to help enhance skin and hair health in animals. Good examples for dogs include PetsPrefer ^TM Soft-N-Shiny Coat and PetAg Mirra Coat O3 Powder . While these supplements contain other active ingredients, they all help lead to better skin and healthy coats for dogs through the addition of the omega fatty acids.

Dr. Dan DuBourdieu
ProbioticSmart.com

MSM for Horse Arthritis

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has found its way into horse supplements over the past 10 -20 years as treatment for arthritis and other health issues for a number of good reasons. MSM has been used to successfully treat a variety of illnesses in horses, including chronic muscle soreness, epiphysitis, acute laminitis, pleuritis, recurring digestive tract disorder, and arthritis. But why does MSM work so well for all of these issues? At a fundamental level, it is due to sulfur content found in MSM. MSM is source of sulfur for animals including horses. Sulfur plays a vital role in the proper conformation of proteins associated with connective tissue, hormones, and antibodies by creating disulfide bonds. These disulfide bonds help hold proteins together and therefore help connective tissues hold together in the body. The problem occurs in horses when sulfur deficiencies occur in the diet or for other reasons. Sulfur deficiencies are associated with brittle nails and hair, scar tissue, slow healing wounds, arthritis, skin disorders, gastrointestinal problems and immune disorders. A low body concentration level of MSM can potentially result in adverse physical stress, tissue/organ breakdown, fatigue and breakdown susceptibleness to ailments. Sulfur is critical for connective tissue health, so MSM is an important component in treating arthritis and other forms of joint inflammation. In horses with severe arthritis, the concentration of sulfur in arthritic cartilage can be only about one-third of normal tissue. MSM can help treat arthritis by virtue of its anti-inflammatory benefits, and maintaining flexibility and elasticity of connective tissue. Studies have suggested that MSM helps improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness and swelling, improves circulation, reduce pain associated with arthritis, reduces scar tissue and breaks up calcium deposits that may be associated with arthritis.

MSM is found in some grains and fruits but the heat and water processing of feeds and the drying of hay destroys the content. Unless the horse's diet consists primarily of raw, unprocessed grain of forage, it is likely that the MSM content of the diet will be insignificant. Therefore, supplementation is an easy way to get sulfur into the horse, especially horses with arthritis. There are a number of MSM supplements on the market for horses. A good example of MSM as major source is Horses Prefer HP-MSM while NutraMax Laboratories Cosequin ASU is an example of MSM combined with other joint ingredients. While MSM has been shown to be effective and safe in horses, consult with a veterinarian about the best choice for your particular horse.



Dr. Dan DuBourdieu
ProbioticSmart.com

Multi-Vitamins for Dogs

Are multi-vitamins for dogs necessary? Even though humans use multi-vitamins on a daily basis, dog owners may ask why they should give vitamins to their dog, especially if they are found in commercial dog food. If you feed a quality dog food, there may not be need to give your pet a vitamin supplement unless it is suffering from some disease that prevents it from absorbing these vitamins normally. However, if the dog is ill, or if it is feed table scraps, or eating a poor quality dog food, then vitamin supplementation is a good idea. Ill or recovering pets that may have a poor appetite should also be given a good vitamin/mineral supplement since they are not receiving their daily requirements through the food they eat. Other situations for dogs like stress from travel, showing, training, hunting, breeding, lactation can also utilize vitamin supplementation. Vitamins are necessary for literally tens of thousands of different chemical reactions in the body. They often work in conjunction with minerals and enzymes to assure normal digestion, reproduction, muscle and bone growth and function, healthy skin and hair, clotting of blood, and the use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates by the body. However, older animals tend to absorb fewer vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes through the intestinal tract, and lose more of them through the kidneys and urinary tract. In addition, some older animals eat less (due to conditions such as oral disease) and may not receive their daily needs of vitamins and minerals. Another issue is whether the commercial dog food actually has the vitamins still present in them after manufacturing and storage. Manufacturing of dog food usually involves a heating process that can destroy vitamins. Storage conditions can also reduce the vitamin levels in dog foods. Organic dog foods are also susceptible to these issues and unfortunately, the fresh foods that we eat today do not have the same nutritional benefits as the foods grown 50 years ago. This may be partially because the soils on North American farms and free range have been depleted of over 85 percent of their natural minerals.

While there are many multi-vitamins on the market, it may be difficult to choose one. Talk with your veterinarian to determine which vitamins may be beneficial for your dog. It is important for multi-vitamins to contain essential vitamins including Vitamin A, B-complex, D, and E. The vitamin should also be palatable. Pets Prefer Adult Maintenance for Dogs and Pets Prefer Adult Maintenance Plus for Dogs are examples of a scientifically balanced formula of essential vitamins, chelated minerals, and fatty acids. They are also very palatable, making it easy for the dog to get its required vitamins. However, whatever your dog’s age or condition, the right vitamin supplementation will help him live the best quality life possible.

When to Use Multi-Vitamins

Urinary Health in Cats

Urinary health is important in cats. What many cat owners don't know is how a simply urinary condition can be a real problem and can even be fatal. Knowing the signs of a urinary problem is imperative to ensure the health of the cat. Straining to urinate, frequent and/or prolonged attempts to urinate, crying out while urinating, excessive licking of the genital area, urinating outside the litter box, or blood in the urine can be sign of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). FLUTD is the collective term for many health problems, such as cystitis, urinary crystals/stones and urinary tract infections. It is important that a veterinarian be able to diagnose which of these is the most likely cause of the urinary tract problem, as this will help determine which treatment route to use. Treatments can include surgery, antibiotic therapy, or less drastic things such as a change in diet or certain supplements.

What an owner can do to help minimize the occurrence of FLUTD is to feed small meals on a frequent basis. For cats with a history of struvite formation (a type of urinary stone), owners should feed diets that promote the formation of urine that is acidic. Most commercial diets meet this criterion. Avoid supplementing such diets with additional urinary acidifiers, because over-acidification can cause metabolic acidosis, impaired kidney function, and mineral imbalance. Provide clean, fresh water at all times. Provide an adequate number of litter boxes (usually one more than the number of cats in the household). Keep litter boxes in quiet, safe areas of the house. Keep litter boxes clean. Minimize major changes in routine. Cat owners can also give supplements with cranberry extract, vitamin C, or dandelion, which are known to help prevent urinary health issues. Pets Prefer Urinary Health for Cats is good example of a supplement containing these herbal ingredients that can help maintain normal urinary health. However, in all situations consult a veterinarian whenever a urinary health problem is suspected.

Dr. Dan DuBourdieu
ProbioticSmart.com